Hello, I'm almost 4 months post-op from removal of my sigmoid colon. I had a cancerous polyp and the surgeon removed about 16" of the colon. Surgery went well, pain was manageable and hopefully all the cancerous tissue was taken with the removed colon. My issue is that I'm still fighting against what I eat. I followed the dietary recommendations and thought the constipation and diarrhea would subside after a month or 2. Sadly that is not the case. I can eat something one time and not have an issue, then eat it again a few days later and spend most of the day running to the bathroom. I can have the feeling of diarrhea and not be able to go. Also have experienced a lot if gas, sometimes very painful. The scary part is sometimes what feels like gas and bloating is actually diarrhea so there isn't an option of trying to pass gas. It's been very difficult trying to get this under control since I don't know what will cause it at any given time. Any have any wise words or secrets that might help?

Are you using a probiotic? If not, try taking Align. It may take a few days to build the good bacteria back up. Also, water helps to keep things balanced. If I don't drink enough water, I get lots of air to pass and softer stools. You would think it's the opposite but it's not.

Keep us posted on how you do. It really does help for those coming after us to see what works and what doesn't. Also more options to try to get things more towards 'normal'.

You had a lot of colon removed. My surgeon said it can take a long time for body to adjust, especially if part of rectum was removed. Because of my shortened colon and rectum, I have to have a bowel movement at least 8 times during the day and usually I wake up during the night and have to go. I feel pressure often and must go to toilet. Doctor said this should improve, but no guarantee. I do not have diarrhea like you, just extremely high frequency.

RWebster wrote:Hello, I'm almost 4 months post-op from removal of my sigmoid colon. I had a cancerous polyp and the surgeon removed about 16" of the colon. Surgery went well, pain was manageable and hopefully all the cancerous tissue was taken with the removed colon. My issue is that I'm still fighting against what I eat. I followed the dietary recommendations and thought the constipation and diarrhea would subside after a month or 2. Sadly that is not the case. I can eat something one time and not have an issue, then eat it again a few days later and spend most of the day running to the bathroom. I can have the feeling of diarrhea and not be able to go. Also have experienced a lot if gas, sometimes very painful. The scary part is sometimes what feels like gas and bloating is actually diarrhea so there isn't an option of trying to pass gas. It's been very difficult trying to get this under control since I don't know what will cause it at any given time. Any have any wise words or secrets that might help?

Hello, well I’m at 7 month mark and fighting that same exact battle. Everything you said, I’m living. My surgeon tells me to give it a year. I’ve tries the probiotic, diets, meds. It’s no fun. Especially when you try to go out to eat and have a an hour ride home. Not pretty. I had 12 inches removed. Mostly sigmoid some rectal. If you’ve found an answer, please share.